Lower abdominal and pelvic pain with advanced pelvic organ prolapse: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the relative frequencies of pain in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). STUDY DESIGN: This was an ancillary analysis of a case-control study investigating functional bowel disorders in women with and without POP. Cases were defined as subjects with stage 3 or 4 POP and controls were subjects with normal pelvic support. RESULTS: Women with POP were more likely to experience lower abdominal or pelvic pain that was significantly bothersome and interfered with daily activities (odds ratio [OR], 9.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-20.4). After controlling for confounders, women with prolapse were more likely to report pressure in the lower abdomen (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6-3.2), heaviness in the pelvic region (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.3-4.3), and pain in the lower abdomen (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.8-4.1). CONCLUSION: Women with prolapse are more likely to report pain, pressure, or heaviness in the lower abdomen or pelvis compared with women with normal support.

Duke Scholars

Author Matthew Don Barber Obstetrics and Gynecology

Author John E Jelovsek Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology